Centenary Ball Completes Anniversary Celebrations

Saturday, 25 June 2016

The School’s 100 and 500 Year Anniversary Celebrations were brought to a close with the fabulous Centenary Ball. Held at the Macron Stadium, it was certainly a night to remember for all of the parents, alumni and staff who attended.

The evening opened with an elegant cocktail reception, where guests could order two Bolton School themed cocktails: the Leverhulme Lifter and the Detention. The Samba Band played at the entrance alongside golden stilt walkers to welcome guests, and there was also lovely entertainment provided by School pupils throughout the cocktail reception in the form of the strings group.

The Samba Band then processed everyone through into the ballroom itself, led by Mr Ian Forgrieve. There was a real ‘wow factor’ and carnival atmosphere as guests entered the main room, which featured twin aerial silk acts and dancing stilt walkers as everyone arrived, as well as glittering decorations and a giant lit ‘100’ sign.

A delicious dinner and drinks were followed by a fun School-themed “Heads and Tails” game.

There was also opportunity to take part in a Silent Auction for amazing prizes: tickets for two to The Open 2016 with hospitality from Old Boy and golfing legend Chubby Chandler; a ‘Jeremy Kyle Experience’, including luxury transport to and from the studio and a chance to meet the man himself; a luxury overnight stay at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire along with an exclusive Land Rover Experience; a pamper package including beauty treatments at Aura Aesthetics and restyle at John-Lee Guy Hairdressing; and last but not least a trunkful of Champagne, gin, vodka, fine wines and Prosecco. The bids were pouring in all night long for these wonderful prizes.

Entertainment in the form of further aerial silks acts, dancers, and a breathtaking fire performance were all provided by GravityLive.

After dinner, live band Under the Covers took to the stage and got everyone onto the dance floor. Throughout the evening, guests could have group photographs taken to capture the special occasion. The dancing continued long into the night and an excellent time was had by all.

The activities and donations at the Centenary Ball raised an incredible £10,000 for the 100 Campaign for Bursaries.

Lord Leverhulme’s founding principle, 100 years ago, was to give bright children an outstanding education regardless of their background, and this remains the School’s priority today. Since its launch last year, the 100 Campaign for Bursaries has raised £2.6 million, with plans to continue fundraising in the future with the aim of ultimately achieving genuine open access.

The School would like to thank the Development Office and all of the volunteer committee members who made the night such a special occasion: Helen Critchlow, Nissa Smyth, Angela Howe, Jennifer Butterworth, Bhav Luhar and Chrissie Howarth.

The Centenary Ball was generously sponsored by members of the 100 Club: